5 from 9 votes
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Homemade Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur Recipe

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This Homemade Baileys Recipe is a quick and easy way to make your own Irish cream liqueur. Then, you can have homemade Irish cream for eggnog, coffee, or mixed drinks any time of year.

A glass of Bailey’s Irish cream sitting on a marble tray.

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Bailey’s Irish cream liqueur is a classic that is served over ice or in loads of delicious cocktails. Making this homemade Baileys Irish cream recipe means you have the freshest liqueur whenever you need it, especially during the holiday season or on days such as St Patrick’s Day.

Want more delicious homemade drink recipes to try out?  If you are still in the mood to make your own alcohol, why not try one of these 20 moonshine recipes to make at home? Or, for healthy recipes, try making your own healthy smoothies with these delicious recipes.

If you love recipes like this, you may also enjoy this Apple Shine Sangria recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe…

  • Save money – this Homemade version of Baileys Irish Cream will cost less per cup than the store-bought version.
  • You can control the amount of alcohol in this homemade mix – if you wish to change it up, simply omit or reduce the amount of booze.
  • Easy to make – This simple recipe makes it easy to make with a handful of ingredients and you control the flavor.

What Is Irish Cream?

Irish Cream is a luxurious liqueur made from a blend of cream, Irish whiskey, sugar, and sometimes other flavors like coffee, chocolate, or vanilla. Originating from Ireland, this rich and smooth beverage is not only enjoyed on its own or over ice but also serves as a versatile ingredient in a variety of cocktails, desserts, and coffee drinks. 

Its creamy texture and complex flavor profile have made it a favorite around the globe, perfect for both cozy winter evenings and festive celebrations.

What’s In This Homemade Baileys Recipe

Ingredients for Bailey Irish cream.
  • Irish Whiskey (Jameson): Selected for its smooth and mellow flavor, Jameson adds the distinctly warm, oak-like notes synonymous with traditional Baileys, making it the spirit of choice for this homemade concoction.
  • Half and half cream: This blend of milk and cream strikes the perfect balance, offering a rich but not overly heavy base that complements the whiskey beautifully, ensuring a silky-smooth texture.
  • Sweetened condensed milk: Thick, sweet, and creamy, sweetened condensed milk is the secret to the luxuriously sweet flavor of the liqueur, binding the ingredients together into a harmonious blend.
  • Cold brew coffee or espresso shots: The addition of cold brew or espresso injects a deep, robust coffee flavor, cutting through the sweetness and adding complexity to the liqueur’s overall profile.
  • Chocolate sauce: A touch of chocolate sauce enriches the liqueur with a velvety cocoa depth, balancing the sweetness and adding an indulgent, decadent layer to the flavor palette.
  • Vanilla extract: The subtle, aromatic qualities of vanilla extract bring a warm, fragrant dimension that elevates the liqueur, rounding out the flavor profile with its smooth and inviting essence.

Substitutions and Variations

  • Sugar – you can use sugar in the raw if desired.
  • Cow’s milk or coconut milk – either will work, but cow’s milk has a thicker consistency and richer flavor.
  • Almond milk – if using this ingredient, you will need to add an extra 1/4 cup of half-and-half cream to offset the consistency difference.
  • If you want more sweetness in your drink- add an additional tablespoon of chocolate sauce.
  • If you do not want chocolate and coffee notes, don’t use cold brew espresso shots; use regular cold coffee instead.

How To Make Homemade Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur Recipe Step by Step

  1. Combine all the listed ingredients in either a pitcher or a large bowl. 
  2. You should either stir or give the mixture a good shake until it’s well combined, ensuring to avoid the use of a blender for this process.
  3. Serve your homemade Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur chilled over ice for the best experience. 
A tray of Bailey’s Irish cream with green cloth sitting on a wooden table.

Recipe Tips

  • To serve, you can pour it over ice or even mix it into eggnog. You can also enjoy it on its own.
  • Don’t use a blender to combine this drink. Use a shaker or a spoon to mix.
  • I also don’t recommend using a whisk for this homemade Baileys recipe because you don’t want to froth it.
  • You can use any Irish whiskey you’d like for this homemade Baileys. However, I recommend Jameson.
  • If you don’t want to add coffee, substitute cold brew espresso shots instead.

Storing Tips 

Keep refrigerated after mixing in an airtight container. This homemade Bailey’s can be stored for up to 10 days.

I don’t recommend storing this in the freezer, as the dairy can separate.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your Homemade Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur as a versatile addition to a variety of beverages and desserts. 

Pour it over vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat, blend it into your morning coffee for a luxurious twist, or drizzle it over warm caramel cheesecake brownies for an indulgent dessert. 

It also pairs wonderfully with holiday favorites like pumpkin chiffon pie or maple apple cobbler, adding a creamy, boozy kick that enhances the season’s flavors.

Bailey’s Irish cream with a green cloth on the side.

Recipe FAQs

What type of coffee should I use for Baileys Irish Cream?

You can use any type of coffee you like. Strong or dark are both good options. I like to use cold brew.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version of this Baileys recipe?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of this homemade Baileys by substituting the Irish whiskey with an additional half-and-half cream, or for a nuttier flavor, use almond or coconut milk. This will give you a creamy texture and flavor without the alcohol.

Can this homemade Baileys recipe be used as a gift?

Absolutely! This homemade Baileys Irish Cream makes a wonderful gift for holidays, birthdays, or any special occasion. Just pour it into a beautiful glass bottle, seal it tight, and add a personal label or note. Remember, since it contains dairy, it should be kept refrigerated.

Is it possible to adjust the sweetness of the homemade Baileys?

Yes, you can easily adjust the sweetness of your homemade Baileys to suit your taste. If you prefer it less sweet, you can reduce the amount of sweetened condensed milk or chocolate sauce. For a sweeter liqueur, simply add more sweetened condensed milk
 or chocolate sauce until the desired sweetness is achieved.

Are there any other flavors I can add to this Baileys recipe?

Certainly! While this easy recipe provides a traditional Baileys flavor, you’re welcome to experiment with additional flavors. Add a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, or peppermint extract for a festive twist. Hazelnut extract can also create this classic liqueur’s nutty and richly flavored version.

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Small glass of homemade Bailey’s Irish Cream.
5 from 9 votes

Homemade Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur Recipe


Author: Kim Schob
Course: Beverages
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 5 minutes
This Homemade Baileys Recipe is a quick and easy way to make your own Irish cream liqueur. Then, you can have homemade Irish cream for eggnog, coffee, or mixed drinks any time of year.

Ingredients 

  • 1 ⅓ cup (315 ½ ml) Irish Whiskey Jameson
  • 1 ⅓ cup (322 ⅔ g) Half and half cream
  • 14 ounces (397 g) sweetened condensed milk
  • 4 tbsp cold brew coffee or espresso shots
  • 2 tbsp chocolate sauce
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Combine all the listed ingredients in either a pitcher or a large bowl.
    1 ⅓ cup Irish Whiskey,1 ⅓ cup Half and half cream,14 ounces sweetened condensed milk,4 tbsp cold brew coffee or espresso shots,2 tbsp chocolate sauce,1 tsp vanilla extract
  • You should either stir or give the mixture a good shake until it’s well combined, ensuring to avoid the use of a blender for this process.
  • Serve your homemade Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur chilled over ice for the best experience.

Notes

  • To serve you can pour it over ice, or even mix into eggnog. You can also enjoy it on its own.
  • Don’t use a blender to combine this drink. Use a shaker or a spoon to mix.
  • I also don’t recommend using a whisk for this homemade Baileys recipe because you don’t want to froth it.
  • You can use any Irish whiskey you’d like for this homemade Baileys. However, I recommend Jameson.
  • If you don’t want to add coffee, substitute cold brew espresso shots instead.

Want To Save This Recipe?

Enter your information below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! Plus, you’ll get complimentary gifts!

Save Recipe

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1Serving Calories: 1314kcal (66%) Carbohydrates: 127g (42%) Protein: 22g (44%) Fat: 38g (58%) Saturated Fat: 23g (144%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g Monounsaturated Fat: 11g Cholesterol: 124mg (41%) Sodium: 417mg (18%) Potassium: 1022mg (29%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 122g (136%) Vitamin A: 1101IU (22%) Vitamin C: 7mg (8%) Vitamin D: 0.4µg (3%) Calcium: 746mg (75%) Iron: 1mg (6%)

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5 from 9 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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5 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I learned that there is Irish whiskey in Baileys! lol I just had never thought about it. I thought it was a liquer I think? Excited to try your recipe!

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